Overview
A full day on the coast: Christ statue, colonial palace, fresh seafood & Back Beach
Vung Tau sits about 125 kilometres southeast of Ho Chi Minh City — close enough to reach in under two hours, far enough to feel like a completely different place. The city is built around two hills that jut into the sea, and the coastline wraps around both sides: Back Beach (Bai Sau / Thuy Van) to the east, Front Beach (Bai Truoc) to the west. On a clear day the views from Small Mountain stretch across the peninsula, out over the East Sea, and down to the rice paddies along the highway you drove in on.
This tour covers the landmarks that have defined Vung Tau for generations. The 32-metre Christ of Vung Tau on Small Mountain dates to 1974 and remains one of the tallest religious statues in Vietnam. Bach Dinh, the White Palace, was built in 1898 as a French colonial retreat; it still holds its original furniture, antique porcelain, and a courtyard of old flame trees. Thang Tam Temple on the seafront is one of the few remaining whale-worship temples in southern Vietnam, where local fishermen have honoured the ocean since the 18th century. And Back Beach gives you two and a half hours in the water, on the sand, or just under a parasol with a cold drink — whatever the day calls for.
Why TNK Travel for this trip
– No filler stops: every site on this itinerary has genuine historical or cultural significance. We don’t pad the day with souvenir shops.
– Honest pace: the drive is two hours each way. We account for that in the schedule so you’re not rushing through every stop.
– Local knowledge: your guide grew up in southern Vietnam and speaks the language of the places you’re visiting, literally and figuratively.
– Trusted by over 1,000,000 travellers: TNK Travel has operated tours out of Ho Chi Minh City since 2000, ranked #3 on TripAdvisor among city tour operators, with over 24,000 verified reviews.
Tour highlights
– Christ of Vung Tau: climb 811 steps up Small Mountain to reach the statue base, then spiral inside the statue itself to the shoulder-level viewing platform. The panorama covers the entire peninsula.
– Bach Dinh (White Palace): a 1898 French colonial villa set in gardens above the sea, with original period furnishings, Khái Định-era antiques, and a quiet courtyard that feels unchanged from a century ago.
– Cape Nghinh Phong: a rocky headland at the southern tip of the peninsula with open views over the water — a short stop, but one of the best coastal vantage points in the city.
– Thang Tam Temple: Vung Tau’s whale temple, where local fishing families have practised cá ong (whale worship) for generations. The main hall holds the bones of whales that beached on this shore.
– Fresh seafood lunch: a full meal at a local restaurant: grilled fish, prawns, squid, clams, rice, vegetables and fruit, all sourced from the morning’s catch.
– Back Beach (Thuy Van): two and a half hours of free time on one of the longest beaches on the southern coast. Swim, sunbathe, or walk the shoreline.
Important information
Pickup
– Available from hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (excluding Sai Gon Ward and Tan Dinh Ward)
– Pickup window: 7:00 – 7:20 AM. Please wait in your hotel lobby.
– Exact pickup time confirmed by email or WhatsApp 24 hours before departure
– Hotels outside Ben Thanh Ward: meet at TNK Travel meeting point — 112 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, at 7:45 AM
Dress code & what to bring
– Christ of Vung Tau: long trousers or skirt (below the knee) and covered shoulders required at the statue and chapel (religious site). Wear or pack these over your beach clothes.
– Back Beach: bring your swimsuit, a beach towel, and a change of clothes.
– Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Vung Tau has little shade at midday.
– Footwear: comfortable walking shoes for the statue climb and sightseeing; flip-flops for the beach.
– Cash: for optional drinks, beach chair and umbrella rental, and souvenirs.
Physical requirements
– The Christ statue involves 811 steps to the top — a steady climb, not technical, but not trivial. Allow 45–60 minutes for the ascent and descent at a comfortable pace.
– An elevator is available for those who prefer not to climb (small additional fee: approx. 30,000 VND / $1.50 USD).
– Not recommended for travellers with severe mobility issues or heart conditions.
– All other stops and beach time are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Weather & operations
– This tour runs in most weather, including light rain.
– Swimming may be restricted during rough seas. Your guide will advise on the day.
– If TNK Travel cancels due to severe weather, you receive a full refund or can reschedule.
Itinerary
Vung Tau Coastal Paradise Discovery
Your guide meets you at your hotel in District 1. The group assembles and departs by 7:20 AM at the latest.
7:20 – 9:20 AM Drive to Vung Tau
Approximately two hours southeast via the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway and National Route 51. The highway passes through Ba Ria province and offers views of rubber plantations and rice paddies as the landscape flattens toward the coast. Your guide will give a brief introduction to Vung Tau’s history: its role as a French colonial resort, a major oil-and-gas base in the 1980s, and its current identity as the closest beach destination for Ho Chi Minh City’s residents.
9:30 – 11:00 AM Christ of Vung Tau (Small Mountain)
The drive up Small Mountain brings you to the base of the statue. From here, 811 steps wind up the hillside to the statue platform, passing a series of outdoor stations of the cross. The climb takes most visitors 30–40 minutes at a relaxed pace.
The Christ of Vung Tau was completed in 1974 and stands 32 metres tall on a 4-metre pedestal. A spiral staircase inside the statue leads to the shoulder level, where two small windows give views over the peninsula on both sides. From the statue base, the panorama extends across Back Beach to the east, the open sea to the south, and the city and river mouth to the north. The elevator is available at the base for those who prefer not to climb.
11:00 – 11:45 AM Bach Dinh (White Palace)
Set on a forested hillside above Front Beach, Bach Dinh was built in 1898 as a retreat for the French Governor-General of Indochina. Later used by Emperor Khải Định and President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu, it has been preserved largely as it was found after 1975. The interior holds original colonial-era furniture, Khải Định-era porcelain and bronze pieces, glass mosaics, and a collection of items recovered from shipwrecks in the area. The surrounding gardens are shaded by old trees and overlook the sea on three sides. Plan for about 40 minutes to walk through the rooms and grounds without rushing.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM Cape Nghinh Phong
A short stop at the rocky headland at the southernmost point of the peninsula. The cape marks where Back Beach and Front Beach meet, with unobstructed views in all directions. It’s a good spot for photos and a brief stretch before lunch.
12:00 – 1:00 PM Seafood lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant near the seafront. The menu is based on the day’s catch: typically grilled fish, steamed prawns, stir-fried squid, clams in various preparations, rice, vegetables, and fresh fruit. If you have seafood allergies or dietary restrictions, please note them at the time of booking.
1:00 – 2:00 PM Thang Tam Temple (Vương Lâu)
Thang Tam Temple, also called the Whale Temple, sits on the seafront in the old fishing quarter of Vũng Tàu. It is one of the few surviving cá ong worship sites in southern Vietnam, where fishermen have venerated whales as divine protectors of sailors since the 18th century.
The main hall houses the bones and skulls of whales that were ceremonially buried when they beached on this shore — a practice known as tang cá (“funeral of the fish”). The temple complex includes shrines to other maritime deities and a courtyard where fishing boat crews traditionally gathered before setting out to sea. Your guide will explain the religious and cultural context.
2:00 – 4:30 PM Back Beach (Thuy Van Beach)
Two and a half hours of free time on Back Beach. This is the longest beach in Vung Tau, stretching nearly eight kilometres along the eastern coast of the peninsula. The water is generally calm in the dry season (November through April) and warm year-round.
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment are available for hire directly from vendors on the beach. There are seafood restaurants and drinks stalls along the beachfront if you want something extra. Swimming is at your own discretion, your guide will point out the designated swimming areas.
4:30 PM Depart for Ho Chi Minh City
The group reassembles at the agreed meeting point on the beach and departs for the two-hour return drive. Drop-off at your hotel in District 1, typically arriving between 6:30 and 7:00 PM depending on traffic.
Price & Bookings
| Tour type | Group size | Price per person | Holiday price per person | Features |
| Big group tour (English) | 10–25 people | $43 USD | $50 USD | Daily departure |
| Big group tour (Chinese) | 10–25 people | $53 USD | $60 USD | Daily departure |
Public holidays — holiday pricing applies
Holiday pricing applies to all departures on the following dates. If your travel date falls within one of these periods, the holiday rate applies automatically at booking.
| Holiday | Dates |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2027 |
| Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) | 15 February – 3 March 2026 |
| Hung Kings’ Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) | 26 April 2026 |
| Reunification Day & International Labour Day | 30 April – 1 May 2026 |
| Vietnam National Day (Quốc Khánh) | 1 – 2 September 2026 |
Language options
- English tours: available daily, no supplement.
- Chinese tours: available daily, +$5 USD per person supplement on regular price (included in the Chinese tour price above).
Special discounts
- Children under 4 years: free (sharing seat with parents)
- Children 4–11 years: 25% discount (75% of adult rate)
Cancellation policy
- Cancel 24+ hours before departure: full refund
- Cancel less than 24 hours before departure: 100% charge, no refund
Payment methods
Cash (USD or VND), all major credit cards, bank transfer, PayPal, Viator, Klook.
What’s included
- Round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- English or Chinese-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees: Christ of Vung Tau statue, Bach Dinh (White Palace), Thang Tam Temple, Cape Nghinh Phong, Back Beach
- Fresh seafood lunch at local restaurant (grilled fish, prawns, squid, clams, rice, vegetables, fruit)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person
- All taxes and service charges
What’s not included
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Additional drinks and meals beyond included lunch
- Beach equipment rental (chairs, umbrellas, water sports)
- Elevator fee at Christ statue if preferred over stairs (approx. 30,000 VND / $1.50 USD)
- Tips for guide and driver (optional, appreciated)
- Swimwear and beach towel (bring your own)
Why TNK Travel
TNK Travel is a Vietnam-based inbound tour operator licensed since 2000. We run daily departures from Ho Chi Minh City and have operated tours for over 1,000,000 travellers from more than 80 countries.
- Ranked #3 on TripAdvisor among Ho Chi Minh City tour operators
- 24,000+ verified reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and Klook
- Viator Top-Rated Operator badge
- 94% of travellers recommend our tours
- Licensed operator: International Tour Operator Licence No. 79-102/2010/TCDL-GP LHQT
Frequently asked questions
How far is Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?
Approximately 125 kilometres (78 miles) southeast via the expressway. The drive takes about two hours each way in normal traffic conditions. We depart early to avoid the city morning rush.
Is the Christ of Vung Tau the same as Christ the Redeemer in Rio?
They’re different statues, though both are large hilltop Christ figures. The Vung Tau statue was completed in 1974, stands 32 metres tall, and is notable for being hollow — you can climb a spiral staircase inside the arms to shoulder-level viewing platforms. The Rio statue is solid and cannot be entered.
Do I have to climb the 811 steps?
No. An elevator is available at the base for those who prefer not to climb, at a small additional cost (approx. 30,000 VND / $1.50 USD). The climb is rewarding but not essential — the views from the statue base are already excellent.
Is Back Beach good for swimming?
Generally yes. Back Beach is the main swimming beach in Vung Tau with designated swimming areas and lifeguards present during busy periods. The water is calmer during the dry season (November through April). During the rainy season, seas can be rougher — your guide will advise on conditions on the day.
What should I wear?
For the Christ statue and Bach Dinh: long trousers or a skirt below the knee, and covered shoulders (both are active religious or heritage sites with dress requirements). For the beach: bring a swimsuit and change of clothes. Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing; sandals or flip-flops for the sand.
Is the seafood lunch included?
Yes. A full lunch at a local seafood restaurant is included in the tour price. If you have a seafood allergy or dietary restriction, let us know at booking and we’ll arrange an alternative.
Can children do this tour?
Yes. The itinerary is suitable for families. Children under 4 travel free; children 4–11 receive a 25% discount. The statue climb is optional, and the beach portion is especially good for kids. The drive is long (two hours each way), so bring snacks and entertainment for younger children.
What is the best season to visit Vung Tau?
Vung Tau is accessible year-round. The dry season (November through April) gives the most consistent sunshine and calmest sea conditions. The rainy season (May through October) brings afternoon showers but also fewer crowds and dramatic skies. Water temperature is warm all year (25–28°C).
Can I book a private tour?
Yes. Contact us directly at booking@tnktravel.com or via WhatsApp (+84 938 195 445) to arrange a private departure with a customised schedule, pick up at additional locations, or a different vehicle class.
Book your Vung Tau day trip
Daily departures from Ho Chi Minh City. Pickup in District 1 included. Seafood lunch included. No hidden costs.
- Online: tnktravel.com — booking form on this page
- WhatsApp: +84 938 195 445
- Email: booking@tnktravel.com
- Walk in: 90 Bui Vien Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
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